How to Use the Scientific Calculator
Build your expression left to right: type numbers, press function buttons, and close parentheses as needed. Press = to evaluate. The 2nd button reveals inverse and alternate functions (sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹, x³, cube root, 10ˣ, eˣ, |x|).
Common Formulas
Pythagorean hypotenuse
sqrt(3^2 + 4^2) → 5
Compound interest
1000 * (1 + 0.05)^10 → 1628.89
Convert 45° to radians
45 * (π / 180) → 0.7854
log base 2 of 8
log(8) / log(2) → 3
e^1
e^1 → 2.71828
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use DEG vs RAD?
Use DEG (degrees) for everyday geometry, construction, and navigation — most people think in degrees. Use RAD (radians) for calculus, physics, and programming (JavaScript's Math.sin takes radians). A full circle is 360° or 2π radians.
What is the order of operations?
PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right). Use parentheses liberally to make your intent explicit — the calculator follows standard math precedence.
Why does log mean base 10 here?
In engineering and most scientific contexts, "log" (or log₁₀) means base-10 logarithm. The natural logarithm (base e) is written as "ln". To calculate log in any other base b: use log(x) / log(b).
What's the largest factorial I can calculate?
This calculator supports factorials up to 170! (≈ 7.26 × 10²⁰⁶). Beyond that, the result exceeds JavaScript's maximum floating-point number (1.8 × 10³⁰⁸) and returns Infinity.